Mother's Day Visit to The Grill on the Alley in Westlake Village

A guest post about a visit to The Grill on the Alley at The Promenade at Westlake.

Last month I took my mom out for a Mother's Day dinner experience at The Grill on the Alley in Westlake Village. 

The Grill is a classic steakhouse. Had it been here in the 1960s, I envision the Rat Pack stopping by, enjoying The Grill's "hand crafted" martinis or classic highballs.

The Red Velvet Martini, Side Car Martini and other cocktails sounded great, but mom and I chose a glass of wine and a Bloody Mary to start our evening. Both drinks were perfect.

Next came the appetizers. I had the special, the Tuna Steak Tartare, and mom had a beautiful, crisp fresh salad. Again, nothing short of perfect.

My main course was the Filet Mignon with truffle butter, along with a side of braised brussels sprouts to share.  Mom had one of The Grill's specials - calf's liver with onions and bacon. Everything melted in our mouths; it was so tender our knives were rarely needed.

For dessert we enjoyed coffee, creme brûlée and the best key lime pie I can ever remember. Ever.

We enjoyed the evening from start to finish. The service was impecabble, with waiters donning white coats like it was a special event (which it was, but of course).

We are looking forward to our next visit, and are determined not to wait until next Mother's Day to do so. Next time I may try the oysters on the half shell with mignonette sauce, crab cocktail and the filet steak salad, or the pan seared salmon with shittake mushroom beurre blanc sauce and the grilled asparagus, along with the Ruby Red Lemon Drop Martini!

And perhaps if I bring my boys, they will opt for the American Kobe Burger with black and white truffle mayonnaise, served with jumbo onion rings. My husband, who is not a big red meat eater, will undoubtedly enjoy the pan-seared salmon and will splurge on the Lobster Mashed Potatoes.

The Grill, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, offers catering, meeting and conference space, wireless internet, indoor/outdoor seating and valet parking.  There is a traditional prime rib dinner offered Sundays after 5 pm.  Open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 10 pm,  Friday open until 11 pm, Saturday 11 am to 11 pm and Sunday 11 am to 9:30 pm.  For reservations, call (805) 418-1760 or book your table online at thegrill.com/locations/the-grill-westlake-village-california.

Some recent additions to The Grill's menu includes Seared Ahi Sashimi, Braised Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower Gratin. Looking forward to our next visit.

County of Ventura Food Facility Closures in May 2014

The County of Ventura Environmental Health Division protect public health and the environment by ensuring conformance with State laws and County ordinances pertaining to food protection, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, individual sewage disposal systems, land use, medical waste, ocean water quality monitoring, recreational health, solid waste, underground fuel tanks and vector control.

The EHD publishes food facility closures at www.ventura.org/rma/envhealth/community-services/consumer-food/closures.html.

The following closures were noted in May 2014. Keep in mind when reviewing this that there are many possible reasons for the closures, most of which are very temporary issues.

Spinnaker Steak & Seafood, 1583 Spinnaker Dr. #109, Ventura;

Unsanitary conditions, inadequate refrigeration;

Date closed - 05/28/14; Date reopened - 05/29/14

New Asia Market, 3823 Saviers Road, Oxnard;

Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 05/23/14; Date reopened - 05/24/14

Neighborhood Market, 602 N. 12th Street, Santa Paula

(meat section only)

602 N. 12 Street, Santa Paula;

Inoperable warewashing sink as a result of clogged drain lines;

Date closed - 05/21/14; Date reopened - 05/22/14

Baja Bay Surf & Taco, 1567 Spinnaker Dr., #104, Ventura;

No hot water available for utensil washing or hand washing;

Date closed - 05/15/14; Date reopened - 05/16/14

Las Delicias Taqueria, 2611 E. Thompson Blvd #101, Ventura;

No hot water available for utensil washing or hand washing;

Date closed - 05/12/14; Date reopened - 05/13/14;

El Sancho Loco, 2271 Michael Drive, Newbury Park;

Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 05/08/14; Date reopened - 05/09/14

OMG Hot Dogs, mobile food facility - license plate # 4KW4537;

No water available for washing of hands, operating beyond the limitations of the permit;

Date closed - 05/01/14; Date reopened - 05/01/14

Las Sirenas Bar & Grill, 2091 N. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard;

Serious and repeated violations of the Health and Safety Code;

Date closed - 05/01/14; Date reopened - 05/02/14

Blue Table Wine & Cheese Bar in Agoura Hills Grand Opening Party on May 10th

Although Blue Table Wine & Cheese Bar, located at Whizins Center in Agoura Hills, officially opened last November, the owners have decided to finally host an official Grand Opening Party on Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 5PM to 10PM. There will be free samples from over 15 wineries, free food, live music and much more.

Blue Table is a European style cafe with sidewalk seating, communal tables, local art and an eclectic atmosphere. Food is prepared in-house with fresh local seasonal produce.  Blue Table also offers culinary treats on it shelvess, from imported pastas and sauces to dressings and preserves. They also offer corporate catering, wine and cheese parties and all other special occasions.

Whizins Center is located at 28912 Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills. Visit www.bluetable.net or www.facebook.com/wineandcheesebar to learn more. Or call 818.587.2583.

The Latigo Kid Opened In New Location on Kanan Road in Agoura Hills

As mentioned in January, The Latigo Kid Retaurant & Cantina has completed its relocation from the Whizins Center to 5617 Kanan Road in the Agoura Meadows Shopping Center (cross street Thousand Oaks Boulevard). Its last day at the Whizins Center was March 15th. Latigo Kid is located in the former home of The Alamo Agoura Hills, which closed its doors on September 24, 2013. Visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Latigo-Kid/113259238703644.

The Melting Pot of Thousand Oaks Celebrates 9 Year Anniversary with New 10 Year Lease

The Melting Pot of Thousand Oaks Celebrates Nine-Year Anniversary with New Menu, New Ten-Year Lease and Planned Remodel

The Melting Pot of Thousand Oaks, a fondue restaurant located at 3685 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, reaffirms its commitment to serve the Conejo Valley as it celebrates its nine-year anniversary by signing a new ten-year lease.

The locally owned and operated restaurant plans to introduce a new customizable menu on March 25, 2014.  It will feature per person pricing, more unbundled and à la carte selections, some tasty new fondue options and premium dippers to provide more flexibility and variety for guests.  In addition to the revamped menu, the 4,900-square-foot  restaurant’s look will also be updated within the next few years for added comfort and convenience.

The Melting Pot of Thousand Oaks offers a unique fondue dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere with private tables and customizable menu options that allow guests to enjoy one, two, three or more courses as they select any combination of individually-priced cheese fondues, salads, entrées and chocolate fondues.

For reservations or more information visit www.meltingpot.com or call 805-370-8802.

About The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.

With more than 135 restaurants in North America, existing locations in 35 states, Canada and Mexico and more than 25 locations currently in development, The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. is the premier fondue restaurant franchise. Founded in 1975, The Melting Pot continues to be a memorable dining experience. Guests enjoy a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées combined with dipping sauces. The menu also includes cheese fondues, salads, fine wines and chocolate fondue desserts.

Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie Celebrates 4th Anniversary and Co-Founder Nouzille Elected to Board of Brewer's Association

LADYFACE ALEHOUSE & BRASSERIE CELEBRATES 4th ANNIVERSARY

Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie celebrates its 4^th Anniversary with a week of events in January.Sunday the 19th, all taps at the award-winning Agoura Hills brewpub begin pouring Ladyface ales and, over the course of the week, guests will be able to enjoy special releases, archived vintages, barrel-aged brews, collaborations, and casks.

One of those special releases is Ladyface 4th Anniversary Ale, a Belgian dark strong ale. This year’s theme is Flores et Fructus, the traditional flowers and fruit offering for a 4^th anniversary. Limited-edition 4th Anniversary glassware, with a year-long discount program, go on sale when Ladyface opens Monday, January 20^th at 11:30am.

Over the course of the week, there will be a Brewery Hangout with Brewermaster David Griffiths, a reservation-only Brewmaster’s Dinner, Barrel-Aged Beer Night, music and more. Event details can be found on the Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie Facebook page and at www.ladyfaceale.com.

And in other Ladyface news, Cyrena Nouzille, Ladyface Co-founder and General Manager has been elected to the Board of Directors of the national Brewers Association to serve a three-year term. The Brewers Association is a nonprofit trade association and is the largest organization of brewers in the United States with more than 1,900 brewery members and 38,000 American homebrewers.

Nouzille, a resident of Agoura Hills and former Planning Commissioner for the city, currently serves on Brewers Association’s Brewpub Committee.  Ladyface Ale Companie is also one of the founding members of the Los Angeles Brewers Guild and Nouzille will be serving on its 2014 Events Committee.

Ladyface Ale Companie was established in late 2009 along with its restaurant Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie. Named the Best Brewery an international RateBeer.com Best Brewpub in 2011 and 2012, and LA Weekly’s 2013 Best Brewery in LA, Ladyface is known for their award-winning Belgian, French and American style ales.  La Blonde, La Grisette, Blind Ambition Abbey Ale, Trois Filles Tripel, and seasonal ales such as La Trappistine® Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Bluebelly Barleywine and Dérailleur® Bière-de-Garde are brewed onsite. Ladyface is one of Los Angeles County’s first modern day microbreweries, and the first brewpub in the Conejo Valley. Visit www.ladyfaceale.com.

Ventura Restaurant Week at Over 30 Local Eateries Planned for January 13-19, 2014

Ventura Restaurant Week is planned for January 13 - 19, 2014. enjoy great food and a special 20% discount at over 30 participating Ventura restaurants with purchase of an entrée.

Also the first 300 customers who submit a Restaurant Week survey will be entered to win a $25 gift certificate from one of the participating restaurants.

To see participating restaurants, visit www.cityofventura.net/rw.